BATH V FALCONS: ARE THE FALCONS GOING TO BE TWEETING……

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:18:11:40:26 by hasta.

Underhill is with the England squad now.

I haven’t seen anything by the club suggesting TDG won’t be available unless I’ve missed anything?

He didn’t go off for a HIA, on pitch neck injury was the worry
Even if it was HIA players can be fast tracked to 6 day return now.

So now spotting the errors!

Sam Underhill called up to England.

I omitted Cam Redpath as one of RWC players.

I have to say the PDG injury was right in front of me and as he went off I assumed he would miss a game or two. I would be utterly delighted if he was medically cleared

Thanks BSJ for your piece. Great analysis. My query is do folks think Francis is above Bailey in the pecking order and if so why?

With Spencer able to kick goals then OB should always start ahead of Francis

I first put Bailey as a starter and then changed it thinking what JVG would do.

I would start Bailey myself...........however I felt that Francis was standing flatter against Exeter and did get the back line moving.

Is this the impact of Finn Russell........before he even gets here!!

I think Orlando is ahead of Piers in the pecking order but based on what I saw against Exeter Piers should start against Newcastle. He played an assured game, loved the way he held his running line for his try.

Francis seems injury free at last and clearly is playing the brand of rugby he enjoys. Hard call not to start him for me. Cloete Hill and Reid to start for me with Barbeary at 50mins.

adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.

I would also have no worries if Sam Harris sneaked in at 15 if the other two didnt make the HIA protocols.

adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.

Quote:

copester
I would also have no worries if Sam Harris sneaked in at 15 if the other two didnt make the HIA protocols.

Whilst I hope tdg and Gallagher are OK I would be excited for sam Harris to get a go....or rmc

Hoping quinn roux is back fit otherwise options at lock look a bit dodgy.

Fun Fact: Since the start of the professional era, Bath have played Newcastle as the opening game of a season 4 times. Both teams have won twice. And the fun part? Neither side has yet won at home.

Let's hope this year, Bath break that sequence.

Obviously only time will tell with the 15 situation but I would hope TDG should be back in time. If not then Bailey would be my option at 15 over Harris

I would also have Bailey over Francis, he is the better option ball in hand and Spencer will kick even with Francis on most likely. Redpath and Russell back in training today the game this weekend may come to quickly for Russell but it is not out of the question that we see both start this weekend

9. Spencer
10. Bailey
11. Muir
12. Redpath
13. Ojomoh
14. Cokansiga
15. TDG

21. Schreduer
22. Russell

Not bad that

Nice write up. Do people genuinely think Russell will be involved this week?

Shame for Newcastle that their Argentinian quartet isn't available but I suppose it's balanced out by Lawrence, Stuart and now Underhill.

Selection-wise I think Bailey would be the better option at 10 and wouldn't mind sticking with the Bath Bomb Squad (+Barbeary) on 50mins. Some impact that.

Quote:

Barfboy
Nice write up. Do people genuinely think Russell will be involved this week?
.

Jvg not ruling it out.

I would be surprised personally

[www.somersetlive.co.uk]

Sounds like mcnally and gj vv could be in mix this week, if not next.

No mention of roux, hope he is OK

[www.somersetlive.co.uk]

Quote:

charlieboa

Quote:

Barfboy
Nice write up. Do people genuinely think Russell will be involved this week?
.

Jvg not ruling it out.

I would be surprised personally

[www.somersetlive.co.uk]

"Ask directly whether Russell could feature against the Falcons this weekend, Van Graan said: "It is definitely a possibility. I am not going to speculate on it today. We have got an off day tomorrow and then we are back in full training on Thursday and I will see where everyone in the squad is at. If it is the right weekend for Finn or Cam to be involved then I will pick them."

PG

I'd honestly rather he didn't pick them. If he does, then bench.

They've been in camp since 29th of May.
IMO - bring them in yesterday, meet the players and coaches, have a chat with the pysch; then expect to send them off on holiday for a couple of weeks to get their heads out of rugby.
I'd only go against that if the player and the pysch, both think that getting straight back into rugby, and taking out their frustrations on the pitch is the better option.

Of course, I'm not paying out £1M between them, so I can afford to be a bit generous.

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

I would pick Redpath but bench Finn

Quote:

Quel Carreleur
They've been in camp since 29th of May.
IMO - bring them in yesterday, meet the players and coaches, have a chat with the pysch; then expect to send them off on holiday for a couple of weeks to get their heads out of rugby.
I'd only go against that if the player and the pysch, both think that getting straight back into rugby, and taking out their frustrations on the pitch is the better option.

Of course, I'm not paying out £1M between them, so I can afford to be a bit generous.

Tend to agree

Quote:

hemington
Thanks BSJ for your piece. Great analysis. My query is do folks think Francis is above Bailey in the pecking order and if so why?

It still feels to me a bit as though Francis is on a promise from when he signed for us that he would be starting games. I think Bailey is better than him anyway, but just looking at it from a succession-planning point of view, I'd rather see Bailey get game-time now. It's one thing playing second-fiddle to Finn Russell - it's quite another being 3rd choice.

Have to admit I am a big fan of Bailey and not a big fan of francis.

Francis to me is a great squad asset as a third choice 10 and a third choice 12 providing us quality depth.

The worry for me is if Bailey is sidelined he might look for a move & for me he’s the future.

Widcombe Garçon

Presumably he will get a chance to prove his worth during the 6 Nations if not before

I hope Bailey is the future however he has not kicked on as I would have expected - partly due to the shambles which was our coaching fiasco during his breakthrough years, which has really stifled his pathway.

Bailey has to show to JVG, Lee Blackett and JP that he is that all round player and to be honest he has no better to learn from than Finn Russell and Piers Francis who looked good against Chiefs and his boot is much more reliable than Bailey - and that maybe his Achilles heal his kicking game from hand and boot and his ability to control the game especially when the heat is on.

What Bailey has to do is force his way through and time is ticking with Worboys, Harris and even Raff Weston coming up behind - this season and next will be crucial to his future career at Bath and I hope he comes through and shows the undoubted talent he clearly possesses.

The problem with Bailey is his place kicking is awful and not at PL standard, he needs to fix this in order to be the future for Bath.

As for Finn Russell from a purely selfish point of view I'd like him to start on Saturday as I'll be at the Rec.

Quote:

hemington
Presumably he will get a chance to prove his worth during the 6 Nations if not before

Between Jan 27th and March 21st no Prem fixtures hemington. One of the 'benefits' of having a league with only 10 teams. We'll have to make do with watching England or, more appealingly imho, a bit of lower grade rugby.

Good news on the injury front, seems like plenty of options available:

Injury update

Quote:

Ali1969
I hope Bailey is the future however he has not kicked on as I would have expected - partly due to the shambles which was our coaching fiasco during his breakthrough years, which has really stifled his pathway.
What Bailey has to do is force his way through and time is ticking with Worboys, Harris and even Raff Weston coming up behind - this season and next will be crucial to his future career at Bath and I hope he comes through and shows the undoubted talent he clearly possesses.

Hi Ali,

Interesting point my view is a little different.

I agree re Piers Francis but Bailey is miles ahead of Worboys who is basically only there because he place kicks well. Worboys is simply too small. Bailey's defence and physicality is better and it's his passing and ability to involve his backs that makes him stand out in my view.

Raff Weston is much too early to be considered and I'd put Ciaran Donoghue ahead of him but I agree his best position is yet to be determined.

The stand out challenge to OB is Sam Harris but they have the same issue ...... kicking, though he is a bit more reliable than OB. Sam Harris is a devastating runner from 15 where I think he is best suited. He has a unique skill that I've not seen in many backs. That being the ability to make a huge accurate pass running flat out to put wingers away. He's a bit like Iain Balshaw with his attacking. I'm not sure SH is a 10, ironically he is too fast for the position.

Overall the rounded 10 for the future I think is OB, he just needs a kicking coach, but we are well served that's for sure.

My biggest disappointment is John Callard, his introduction has done nothing for Bailey, in fact I'm not sure what he has done.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Didn't Balshaw famously tell the then head coach that he was the best fly half at the club?

My memory might be wrong but wasn’t Bailey’s kicking better before Callard came in?

Quote:

shipwrecked

Quote:

Ali1969
I hope Bailey is the future however he has not kicked on as I would have expected - partly due to the shambles which was our coaching fiasco during his breakthrough years, which has really stifled his pathway.
What Bailey has to do is force his way through and time is ticking with Worboys, Harris and even Raff Weston coming up behind - this season and next will be crucial to his future career at Bath and I hope he comes through and shows the undoubted talent he clearly possesses.

Hi Ali,

Interesting point my view is a little different.

I agree re Piers Francis but Bailey is miles ahead of Worboys who is basically only there because he place kicks well. Worboys is simply too small. Bailey's defence and physicality is better and it's his passing and ability to involve his backs that makes him stand out in my view.

Raff Weston is much too early to be considered and I'd put Ciaran Donoghue ahead of him but I agree his best position is yet to be determined.

The stand out challenge to OB is Sam Harris but they have the same issue ...... kicking, though he is a bit more reliable than OB. Sam Harris is a devastating runner from 15 where I think he is best suited. He has a unique skill that I've not seen in many backs. That being the ability to make a huge accurate pass running flat out to put wingers away. He's a bit like Iain Balshaw with his attacking. I'm not sure SH is a 10, ironically he is too fast for the position.

Overall the rounded 10 for the future I think is OB, he just needs a kicking coach, but we are well served that's for sure.

My biggest disappointment is John Callard, his introduction has done nothing for Bailey, in fact I'm not sure what he has done.

Widcombe Garçon

Quote:

Optimist

Quote:

hemington
Thanks BSJ for your piece. Great analysis. My query is do folks think Francis is above Bailey in the pecking order and if so why?

It still feels to me a bit as though Francis is on a promise from when he signed for us that he would be starting games. I think Bailey is better than him anyway, but just looking at it from a succession-planning point of view, I'd rather see Bailey get game-time now. It's one thing playing second-fiddle to Finn Russell - it's quite another being 3rd choice.

Agree with that but from evidence v Chiefs Francis was very good on what I've seen. I know it is just one game but he did look a much improved player to me. I really don't think Francis would have scored that try last season, he wouldn't have had the gas, the legs or the mindset to be up in support to finish off the play

So, yes Bailey has to be second choice but he has to deserve it not given it simply on the argument that it is succession planning

Quote:

shipwrecked
I'm not sure SH is a 10, ironically he is too fast for the position

I’m surprised at you SW as a student/fan of Welsh rugby. One of my many beefs with English rugby is the phobia of fast-twitch muscle fibre in fly-halfs. There was a big piece about Marcus Smith in today’s Telegraph saying that he is now one of the quickest sprinters in the squad. So of course England will insist on playing the plodding Farrell at 10 on Saturday.

I'm very content with the fact that in all my years playing 10 at various levels not one coach ever suggested I was too fast for the position

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

Optimist

Quote:

hemington
Thanks BSJ for your piece. Great analysis. My query is do folks think Francis is above Bailey in the pecking order and if so why?

It still feels to me a bit as though Francis is on a promise from when he signed for us that he would be starting games. I think Bailey is better than him anyway, but just looking at it from a succession-planning point of view, I'd rather see Bailey get game-time now. It's one thing playing second-fiddle to Finn Russell - it's quite another being 3rd choice.

Agree with that but from evidence v Chiefs Francis was very good on what I've seen. I know it is just one game but he did look a much improved player to me. I really don't think Francis would have scored that try last season, he wouldn't have had the gas, the legs or the mindset to be up in support to finish off the play

So, yes Bailey has to be second choice but he has to deserve it not given it simply on the argument that it is succession planning

I think Piers Francis is a bit of a training camp champion and, after JvG's interview, I think he'd genuinely like to manage Bailey's workload.

Let Franco's take the lumps from a team (presumably) at prime condition and let Bailey do his thing when its cooled down.

Dan Jones officiating on Saturday and confess I cannot recall ever seeing him officiate - anyone have any info, as has been shown especially in the RWC referees are having such an influence on the matches even more now than before.

I see he is affiliated to Welsh Rugby Union and hope he has the Welsh attitude to let the game flow.

Lots of options with the positive injury update.

Think I would go something like:

Tdg
Coko
Mojo
Butt
Muir
Bailey
Spencer

Schoeman
Annett
Jonker
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Cloete
Barbeary

Bench (accepting it will probably be a 6:2 split):
Beno
Dunn
Tdt
Flw
Reid
Coetzee
Schreuder
Russell

I would personally have richards on the bench but don't think it will happen.

I like the idea of giving the first choice front 3 less minutes this week and to start against sarries- should ensure we finish the game strongly.

I am not sure they will be able to resist having finn in the squad to hopefully steer us over the line with a convincing win and really give everyone a feel good factor at the start of the season at the rec.

Even with 3 at the rwc with eng there are a lot of v good players available and not even making my 23 which is encouraging (gj vv/mcnally/ richards/ francis/redpath/ gallagher/rmc)!

Quote:

charlieboa
Lots of options with the positive injury update.
Think I would go something like:

Tdg
Coko
Mojo
Butt
Muir
Bailey
Spencer

Schoeman
Annett
Jonker
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Cloete
Barbeary

Bench (accepting it will probably be a 6:2 split):
Beno
Dunn
Tdt
Flw
Reid
Coetzee
Schreuder
Russell

I would personally have richards on the bench but don't think it will happen.

I like the idea of giving the first choice front 3 less minutes this week and to start against sarries- should ensure we finish the game strongly.

I am not sure they will be able to resist having finn in the squad to hopefully steer us over the line with a convincing win and really give everyone a feel good factor at the start of the season at the rec.

Even with 3 at the rwc with eng there are a lot of v good players available and not even making my 23 which is encouraging (gj vv/mcnally/ richards/ francis/redpath/ gallagher/rmc)!

Big fan of your 23 agree with it bar Reid think he has to start and is massively rated by JVG. I think this year will be very different to last year for Richards, JVG already said he’s going to get minutes in the near future at 6 or lock which is great to hear. I am expecting him to be in the 23 this weekend maybe even at 20 as he can cover lock and 6 there.

Agree about reid- he has kicked on massively (and bulked up) in the last year. Can play all 3 positions now as well. Maybe sneak in ahead of cloete?

Also enjoying the noises from jvg on richards. He clearly rates him very highly and just felt he was too raw last season which is fair enough in hindsight.

Start Reid and maybe Cloete to have impact off of the bench. Would like to see Cam in there too.

Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5

Team is up and blimey it's a strong one!

Quote:

Optimist
Team is up and blimey it's a strong one!

Let's hope they deliver at least the sum of their parts!

Ref: Dan Jones
TJs: Simon Harding & John Meredith
TMO: David Rose

Bath:
1. Obano
2. Dunn
3. Du Toit
4. Roux
5. Ewels
6. Hill
7. Cloete
8. Barbeary

09. Spencer (C)
10. Bailey
11. Muir
12. Redpath
13. Ojomoh
14. Cokanasiga
15. Gallagher

16. Annett, 17. Schoeman, 18. Jonker, 19. Lee-Warner, 20. Reid
21. Schreuder, 22. Russell, 23. De Glanville

Newcastle:
1. Brocklebank
2. Blamire
3. McCallum
4. Van der Walt
5. De Chaves
6. Lockwood
7. Pepper
8. Chick (C)

09. O'Sullivan
10. Connon
11. Stevenson
12. Orlando
13. Penny
14. Radwan
15. Renshaw

16. Van Vuuren, 17. Brantingham, 18. Tampin, 19. McDonald, 20. Cross
21. Stuart, 22. Jennings, 23. Obatoyinbo

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:13:11:17:54 by Quel Carreleur.

Crikey, if that team clicks it should be a good watch

Note it looks like two old BBWs on their bench

That's about the best team we can put out, at home against a team that most expect to finish bottom of the table. Skybet has Bath by 14 and I certainly hope they can hit the ground running - otherwise it will be another long season...

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Great looking 23. My only concern is Cloete and Barbeary leaves us light at lineout time. Looking at their back 5, thats obviously a area they will target.
Any win would be a great start to the campaign.

adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.

Goodness. Great looking team. Lovely balance to it. How exciting. The weather looks decent, too.

More than anything, I'd like to see a dominant forward performance. With Spencer bossing them, that pack should be able to get on top in the tight and the set piece. Seeing that foundation is the most important thing to see that might give us cause for real optimism this season. 20 minutes of fun from Finn would also be marvellous. Can't expect too much from him until he's fully integrated- but the thought of him firing flat passes to JoCo and cross-kicks to Muir is enough to make me think that this might be the game I'm most looking forward to watching this weekend.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Feel we've a really good chance to not just start the season at the top of the table, but to still be there after the first weekend (Sale may have a thing or two to say about that though)

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Best team we've put on the park since 2015?

Not sure Will Stuart would get to start in that side. Add in Sam, Finn and Ollie and that is our cup final team !

I feel everyone's excitement, but let's remember how bad Bath have been over the last what, 5+ years, at living up to the sum of our parts?

We won’t field a stronger 23 all season, if that’s not strong enough to win a home game then we really are in trouble this season.

Way more excited for this game than the England game. It's the first game of the season so may take a bit longer to get going but genuinely excited to see what that team can do.

And no Mickey Young who always seemed to save his best game of the season against us

But and it is a biggish but Falcons are always very physical, very strong up front and very difficult to get in and behind their defence. I'm not expecting champagne rugby

Lots of empty seats!

Three points down after 45 seconds. First lineout not straight. Concede another two penalties. Not one attack in opening eight minutes. 0-6.

Exciting team though.

Barbeary goes over!

3 tries, and FR comes on!

An HIA for Ojomoh - and not (at the very least) a yellow for their 12 for his hit off the ball. Makes no sense.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Bonus point 1st half!!

Quote:

hantssabre
Lots of empty seats!

Attendance less than 10k

Found that figure surprising. We were guessing around the 11,500 mark. In the old days might have attributed it to blokes on the turnstiles being on the take but these days?? Loved the game today. Falcons very efficient and also played some nice stuff at times. Thought we'd get on top up front but didn't - pretty even. As usual, silly pens gave Newcastle a lot of possession and territory. They also found space round the rucks. Just came down to some bits of outstanding rugby in between the grind and ill-discipline. The Muir try was incredible but outshone by Ben S's try that began on our 22 which had everything.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:14:17:10:22 by TomReagan.

Stunning tries by Bath which were required to combat a stubborn & relentless Falcons side who may well surprise a few teams this season. They kept possession very effectively & we found it difficult to prize the ball away from them. They also made errors at crucial times which was balanced by some less than intelligent play on our part. I felt that our attacking play was so much more incisive & imaginative than in recent years so the team should be good to watch though where we will end up is difficult to assess at this early stage.

Great game to watch first up - if we were playing like that later in the season I think it would be a bit loose, but good to see the intent and ability to play. There was more ball handling in the first attack than we showed for 4/5 of last season!

Excellent result too - the full 5 and no LBP for Falcons.

I was going to pose a question about Stevenson's try and why it wasn't in touch, as he kicked the ball whilst over the touchline, but I was surprised that law 18.2.d provides that a player can kick the ball whilst over the line, provided the ball itself doesn't reach the touch line.

Every day's a school day! Been playing and watching rugby for many years and hadn't appreciated that. I guess you could look to hoof a ball that's heading over the touchline back onto the field, but for the fact that it could go anywhere!

Quote:

bathonian80
Three points down after 45 seconds. First lineout not straight. Concede another two penalties. Not one attack in opening eight minutes. 0-6.
Exciting team though.

... Maybe better not to judge a game after 8 minutes?

Plenty to work on, but plenty excellent.

The try at the South stand end was judged as held up and it was clearly grounded as all of us clearly saw! This was one of many strange decisions by the ref. He was very whistle happy and blew up in a fraction of a second for holding on!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:14:18:33:54 by CoochieCoo.

Enjoyable afternoon at the Rec. If we can stop the silly penalties we could be up there come the end of the season. While we concede a lot 9f pens I don't think we got the rub of the green with the ref. If an off the ball tackle causes a player to fail an hia you have to wonder why no card. Reffing of breakdown and tackles in the air very inconsistent.

Would have taken 5 points at 0-9.

Quote:

CoochieCoo
The try at the South stand end was judged as held up and it was clearly grounded as all of us clearly saw! This was one of many strange decisions by the ref. He was very whistle happy and blew up in a fraction of a second for holding on!

Whose try?

Quote:

Maeght

Whose try?

Wasn’t it Du Toit? Live on tv he said to the ref he was held up.

Long’ish periods of ordinarinesss interspersed with lightning strikes by us. Got to feel positive about that. The first phase attack is on an entirely different plane. And a lot of the rest came down to easy fixes and some very odd refereeing.

A better side would have said ‘oh you’re happy to let us back into the game are you? Righty-ho.’. Ridiculous that, if Falcons had converted their final try, the result would have been in play off the final play.

But I refuse to be downcast. Barbeary is one hell of a rugby player. Spencer must be ready to enjoy his rugby more than any point since leaving Saracens. Muir - is there a better English winger? And Cokanasiga did some proper big Jo stuff.

Based on today there is no reason for Spencer not to be in France. Oh I forgot Faz doesn't like him.
The latest rumour I have heard I ta the reason Arrundel isn't in the team is he had a bust up with Faz in training so won't get picked.

Anyone else listening to ref link and think the third Falcons penalty sounded very close to bring timed out, if not actually kicked late?

Quote:

Murty7
the reason Arrundel isn't in the team is he had a bust up with Faz in training so won't get picked.

If there was some sort of bust-up I’m willing to bet that it started with Arundell taking the *** out of Faz by sprinting past him and then taunting him on it.

Quote:

Murty7
Based on today there is no reason for Spencer not to be in France. Oh I forgot Faz doesn't like him.
The latest rumour I have heard I ta the reason Arrundel isn't in the team is he had a bust up with Faz in training so won't get picked.

As far as I've seen that rumour came from Andy Goode and nobody else. On that basis I'd dismiss it.

Great result, nice to start the season with a 5 pointer.

We did however give away far too many penalties, would be interested in the count, it seemed like close to 20!

Team performance but Barbeary, Spencer, du Toit and Muir were excellent.

Barbeary for me has the potential to make a real difference.

Yes, Barbeary MotM for me. We’ve been missing a guy who can carry as effectively for years (since Zak!). Also he’s always geeing up his mates, which I like to see. All the back row were immense (inc Reid), with a great balance to it.

Fair play to Newcastle. They looked well coached and played some super rugby. Think they’ll upset a few this season. Their 10 was great.

Still can’t work out why the high and off the ball shot on Mojo wasn’t reviewed. But interesting to read SJS above about rule 18.2 and how you can kick the ball with a foot in touch. Odd rule- why is a foot different to a hand?- but explains it. All in all, I thought the ref who I haven’t seen before did pretty well.

Finn was great fun. Loved the quick thinking for the 22 for the Spencer try. He just cruises through games, finding space, looking 10-20% better than almost every other player on the field. Like the kid at school who plays for the South West! Nice to see him dishing out the orders too. As others get more on his wavelength, we could become unplayable. As we saw today, Jcok is dangerous enough lying flat on his back, let alone when he’s steaming onto a Finn flat ball.

Not perfect but 5 points and fun. Two seasons ago (I think) we lost to Newcastle in our first home game of the season. We’ve come a long way- exciting thing is it feels like we can still improve so much, too.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

[quote Susanne]Anyone else listening to ref link and think the third Falcons penalty sounded very close to bring timed out, if not actually kicked late?[/quote)

Yep the Ref counted down to one as the kicker was about to kick the ball

Signs of some decent play from Bath and we actually looked like their was an attacking game plan for the first time in years.

Downside was this was only Newcastle ant home and that level of performance would have lost to any other team. Too many penalties, poor defence in midfield, scrum not dominant and lineout iffy at times. Hopefully these things will be ironed out in the coming weeks.

Ref was indecisive, inconsistent and allowed the Newcastle 9 an age on his box kicks, was this his first PL game?

Crowd of less than 10k for first home game of season suggests rugby in England really is on the decline. Do Bath really need an 18k stadium? Yesterday suggests not.

Quote:

OutsideBath
we actually looked their was an attacking game plan for the first time in years

Mainly it just seemed like there was an intent to attack - I didn’t see any very fancy moves - just players hitting the ‘on’ switch with ball in hand, support players, and because there was support on hand a willingness to offload.

Was a bit disappointed that Reid didn’t ship it to Joe C as soon as he made that break - but also I’m not sure Joe called for it. But he did make a lot of ground and at least avoided the ubiquitous - ‘there’s space in front of me, I’d better kick the ball away’.

Quote:

OutsideBath
Crowd of less than 10k for first home game of season suggests rugby in England really is on the decline. Do Bath really need an 18k stadium? Yesterday suggests not.

Chiefs was sub 10K in a 16K? stadium too and tbh I think our opener against you next week won't be sold out either. RWC, cost, etc all factors I guess but entertaining rugby more likely to fill the stadiums so maybe if "you build it, they will come"

Quote:

Optimist

Was a bit disappointed that Reid didn’t ship it to Joe C as soon as he made that break - but also I’m not sure Joe called for it. But he did make a lot of ground and at least avoided the ubiquitous - ‘there’s space in front of me, I’d better kick the ball away’.

Yep, that was a slight black mark against Reid - two of the fastest players on the pitch in support in a 3 on 2 and all he had to do was pick a side! Nice to be able to highlight those things after a win though, instead of ruing what might have been!

[quote Widcombe garçon ][quote Susanne]Anyone else listening to ref link and think the third Falcons penalty sounded very close to bring timed out, if not actually kicked late?[/quote)

Yep the Ref counted down to one as the kicker was about to kick the ball[/quote]

In fairness, he did warn their kicker on the next conversion that their last kick was on the wire - the implication being that he would not be so lenient this time. This is good refereeing in my opinion.

Desperate affairs require desperate measures.
Horatio Nelson

Good first performance, Falcons are always a dangerous opposition no superstars but ferociously proud, tenacious and massive collective work ethic, who tend to surprise everyone especially in the first few months of the season they tend to struggle towards the second half of the season.

Unable to get to the game as had work commitments overseas but listened to commentary they were saying there were some very harsh penalties against Bath and Falcons definitely got the run of the green as far as the officiating went a bit like the All Blacks which you need in tight matches, we did really well taking the officiating situation out of the equation.

Sounds like Finn looked good and real promise for the forthcoming weeks.

All in all a very good win with a bonus point . Great start.

Quote:

Ali1969
Good first performance, Falcons are always a dangerous opposition no superstars but ferociously proud, tenacious and massive collective work ethic, who tend to surprise everyone especially in the first few months of the season they tend to struggle towards the second half of the season.
Unable to get to the game as had work commitments overseas but listened to commentary they were saying there were some very harsh penalties against Bath and Falcons definitely got the run of the green as far as the officiating went a bit like the All Blacks which you need in tight matches, we did really well taking the officiating situation out of the equation.

Sounds like Finn looked good and real promise for the forthcoming weeks.

All in all a very good win with a bonus point . Great start.

Sorry Ali, it most definitely was not a good performance. It was pretty average given the 23 we fielded. From the stand it did seem like the ref favoured the Falcons, but that wasn't the reason Falcons stayed in the game right until the end.

There were definitely signs that Bath could be a good side this season, but there was also plenty of things that need work on.

OK OB, discipline cost us 9 points directly (& I reckon another 7 indirectly) plus there is still defensive work to do.

But against a tougher opponent I expect we would have kept the scoreboard ticking by kicking the kickable penalties we passed up in the second half.

Also a return of 2 conversions from 6 is definitely something that can be improved on.

So- to me the close margin flattered the visitors.

PG

Quote:

OutsideBath

Sorry Ali, it most definitely was not a good performance. It was pretty average given the 23 we fielded. From the stand it did seem like the ref favoured the Falcons, but that wasn't the reason Falcons stayed in the game right until the end.

There were definitely signs that Bath could be a good side this season, but there was also plenty of things that need work on.

Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

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SJS

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OutsideBath

Sorry Ali, it most definitely was not a good performance. It was pretty average given the 23 we fielded. From the stand it did seem like the ref favoured the Falcons, but that wasn't the reason Falcons stayed in the game right until the end.

There were definitely signs that Bath could be a good side this season, but there was also plenty of things that need work on.

Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

Not being at all pessimistic, you might want to go back to school and learn how to read as I clearly stated there were signs of some decent play from Bath and that Bath could be a good side this season.

Not my problem if you have such low standards.

Quote:

P G Tips
OK OB, discipline cost us 9 points directly (& I reckon another 7 indirectly) plus there is still defensive work to do.
But against a tougher opponent I expect we would have kept the scoreboard ticking by kicking the kickable penalties we passed up in the second half.

Also a return of 2 conversions from 6 is definitely something that can be improved on.

So- to me the close margin flattered the visitors.

PG

Good points PG, although I liked the attitude to go for the jugular rather than just keep the scoreboard ticking over in the second half. Not sure the close margin flattered Falcons as they were pretty good at executing their limited gamplan. Hopefully our defence will improve in the coming weeks as it was really disappointing to see them score 3 tries.

As I said there were signs of a good Bath team yesterday, I just thought we'd destroy them when I saw the team sheets.

Quote:

SJS

Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No idea but it’s unrealistic to expect exclusively positive comments throughout the season. JvG admits there’s plenty to work on. I think it was largely early season rustiness.

Quote:

OutsideBath

Not being at all pessimistic, you might want to go back to school and learn how to read as I clearly stated there were signs of some decent play from Bath and that Bath could be a good side this season.

Not my problem if you have such low standards.

Perfectly capable of reading - that's how I know you're just a relentlessly negative voice and frankly it's tedious to read the same tosh over and over again.

As I said, a block function would provide much much welcome relief.

In fairned’ss to OB that was a reasonably positive post by his standards 😉

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SJS

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OutsideBath

Not being at all pessimistic, you might want to go back to school and learn how to read as I clearly stated there were signs of some decent play from Bath and that Bath could be a good side this season.

Not my problem if you have such low standards.

Perfectly capable of reading - that's how I know you're just a relentlessly negative voice and frankly it's tedious to read the same tosh over and over again.

As I said, a block function would provide much much welcome relief.

Widcombe Garçon

I think Barbeary is a brilliant player and likely to be a superb international player. I will be definitely watching Bath results now, as I no longer have a team to support and have been to the Rec on several occasions.

I think it was a pretty good performance. I do believe a reduction in the amount of penalties would have led to a much more comprehensive victory. Most of the footholds falcons got to score points from came from penalties.
Some were poor discipline but also think we didn't get the rub of the green from the ref.

There will always be things we can approve on but 5 points on opening day should be celebrated rather than focus on the negatives.

These are the days to enjoy as a supporter especially after the last few years.

Quote:

Westy68
I think Barbeary is a brilliant player and likely to be a superb international player. I will be definitely watching Bath results now, as I no longer have a team to support and have been to the Rec on several occasions.

Barbeary was very good and exactly the type of number 8 we needed. Hopefully he can stay fit as he’ll certainly get in the mix for England if he does.

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

Westy68
I think Barbeary is a brilliant player and likely to be a superb international player. I will be definitely watching Bath results now, as I no longer have a team to support and have been to the Rec on several occasions.

Barbeary was very good and exactly the type of number 8 we needed. Hopefully he can stay fit as he’ll certainly get in the mix for England if he does.

Billy is clearly on his way out but a suite of Barbeary, Willis , Dombrandt and Mercer at 8 is not a bad group. Depends on how Borthwick wants play for the next 4 years.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

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FrancisBacon

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

There was a vote a while ago and it went in favour of staying here. Personally I voted to jump, but that's the answer to your question.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Quote:

FrancisBacon

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

Can you provide an example of the block function? I've looked through Shedweb for example in their FAQs and it's not mentioned. Does phpbb.com have that function?' (Screenshot perhaps)


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

FrancisBacon

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

It's nothing to do with the club or COML - it's Sportnetwork functionality. As mentioned, there was a vote a few years ago to consider moving to, for example, view from the 22 and the vast majority preferred to stay.

Quote:

shipwrecked

Quote:

FrancisBacon

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

Can you provide an example of the block function? I've looked through Shedweb for example in their FAQs and it's not mentioned. Does phpbb.com have that function?' (Screenshot perhaps)

I don't have an account on Shedweb since they went behind a zero-paywall.
But just about every other forum that exists is based on PHPBB. It's really simple you choose a list of friends or foes, and a foe is blocked.

I'll probably get banned from SN for writing this, but hey there you are.

Quote:

FrancisBacon

Quote:

shipwrecked

Quote:

FrancisBacon

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

Can you provide an example of the block function? I've looked through Shedweb for example in their FAQs and it's not mentioned. Does phpbb.com have that function?' (Screenshot perhaps)

I don't have an account on Shedweb since they went behind a zero-paywall.
But just about every other forum that exists is based on PHPBB. It's really simple you choose a list of friends or foes, and a foe is blocked.

I'll probably get banned from SN for writing this, but hey there you are.

Why would you be banned for writing that?

Quote:

hasta

Quote:

FrancisBacon

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

It's nothing to do with the club or COML - it's Sportnetwork functionality. As mentioned, there was a vote a few years ago to consider moving to, for example, view from the 22 and the vast majority preferred to stay.

I'm unclear if such a function exists Hasta. Obviously a user can be blocked for rule infraction but what I interpreted blocking to be in this instance was one poster being able to exclude (block) another poster's submissions from their feed.

That's why I requested an example. I can't find it in the phpBB basic code but it might be a customised addition.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

shipwrecked

Quote:

hasta

Quote:

FrancisBacon

Quote:

SJS
Genuine question - is there a block function? I've looked and couldn't find one. I'd really like to avoid the relentless pessimism for yet another season if possible.

No, there isn't. Got to wonder why such a well supported club and active forum as this can't provide a simple platform like Gloucester. Or Tigers. Or Sale. Or Quins. Then you'd have a block function.

Strangely enough, the same question was repeatedly asked over at my own former club, LI.

It's nothing to do with the club or COML - it's Sportnetwork functionality. As mentioned, there was a vote a few years ago to consider moving to, for example, view from the 22 and the vast majority preferred to stay.

I'm unclear if such a function exists Hasta. Obviously a user can be blocked for rule infraction but what I interpreted blocking to be in this instance was one poster being able to exclude (block) another poster's submissions from their feed.

That's why I requested an example. I can't find it in the phpBB basic code but it might be a customised addition.

Admins can ban users from posting (e.g. authorization controls) and delete/hide individual posts but this doesn't erase previous posts. There is no bulk method to prevent one user from seeing another user's posts. Yes this is common functionality on more modern bulletin board services. No it's not available on sportnetwork. Equally sportnetwork is free to host on.

I see, it does exist then, called Friends or Foes As Hasta says why wouldn't this be allowed if a forum voted to use the code? Is there a technical reason.




Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Because Sportnetwork don't allow each forum to have bespoke functions, they're all the same. We have a few functions that we can adapt, e.g. look and feel, headers, links, etc. but Sportnetwork runs its own software, not phpBB.

So all forums would have it or none at all. I would have thought it's just a SN version of the bulletin board but I see how it works. Thanks H


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

FrancisBacon
I'll probably get banned from SN for writing this, but hey there you are.

What a strange thing to post.

Just seen this conversation! Please also take into account that the advertising revenue we earn from SN helps to pay our domain costs and any surplus is given to our favourite charities. When we were contemplating view from the 22 I asked the question of earnings and never got an answer from the organiser. How popular is Vft22?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:17:13:15:21 by CoochieCoo.

Quote:

hasta
Why would you be banned for writing that?

You never know. Someone may get a little precious when you suggest that the 30-year old software is behaving like 30-year old software. It has happened on SN before.

However this isn't my sub, and I don't want to open a can of worms.

Whilst we’re on the subject of functions is there a way to go to the comment after the last one you read, whether that applies to all of COML or just the thread you’re in?

I am very happy where we are very grateful to the Mods for their work.

If someone is less effusive than me, that's fine. I shall enjoy the season all the more when we win the final at HQ and he admits that it is a marginally better season than two years ago

Wouldn't it get a bit confusing if you blocked an individual's posts but could see others responding to them? Not sure how that would work.